[Ionomer as a substitute for lost dentin in conservative dentistry]

The availability of glass Ionomer cement with physical properties, very similar to dentin given the clinician a substitute for dentine (it is artificial dentin) which has had to be eliminated because of caries. Its use in restaurative dentistry with silver amalgam allows us to reduce the size of cavity without having to eliminate all the enamel which is not supported by dentine (we can leave hollowed enamel which will be supported by the glass Ionomer cement as it acts as dentine). Using it in restaurative dentistry with composite resins offers us an adherent base stuck chemically to the dentine, which is of similar colour, with the rest of the dental structure. It also avoids recurrent caries as it contains fluoride ions, and provides a strong micromechanic union with the composite (more similar in colour and more resistant) which is placed onto the surface.